Wayne County, IN – A fatal crash remains under investigation after a vehicle carrying five people ran off the roadway and struck trees early Friday morning on Greenmount Pike near the Indiana–Ohio state line.
According to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a report around 2:33 a.m. Friday of a vehicle that had left the roadway and crashed into trees. Deputies arrived on scene and located a 2007 Chevrolet Equinox on the north side of the road.
Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle was traveling northbound on State Line Road and failed to fully negotiate a curve as the roadway transitions into Greenmount Pike. Investigators say the vehicle slid off the roadway before colliding with trees.
The SUV was occupied by five individuals. A 13-year-old front-seat passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a 17-year-old male, sustained minor injuries.
Of the three rear-seat passengers, one 17-year-old and Jeremy Bush, 18, of Richmond, Indiana, were transported by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. A second 17-year-old rear-seat passenger was treated at Reid Health Hospital. Authorities say the names of juvenile occupants are being withheld.
The sheriff’s office also confirmed the vehicle involved had been reported stolen to the Richmond Police Department on Thursday evening, December 18.
Investigators are continuing to examine all factors related to the crash, including vehicle operation, roadway conditions, and other potential contributors. The incident remains under active investigation by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Team.
The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain assisted at the scene. Officials extended their condolences to the victim’s family and thanked assisting agencies, including the Richmond Fire Department, Richmond Police Department, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, CareFlight, and local medics.
Additional information may be released as the investigation continues.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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